Fishing

Question 1

Define and give examples of Pelagic (estuarial) Fish

Answer 1

Fish that feed and are caught near the surface.
Ex: Salmon, Herring, Mackerel, Tuna

Question 2

Define and give examples of Ground Fish

Answer 2

Fish that feed and are caught near the ocean floor
Ex: Cod, Haddock, Halibut, Polluck

Question 3

Define and give examples of Shellfish

Answer 3

Mollusks and Crustaceans (animals without a backbone)
Ex: Shrimp, Lobster, Oysters, Scallops

Question 4

Define and give examples of Inshore Fishing

Answer 4

Commercial fishing that takes place within a few km’s of the shoreline. Small fishing boats go out to sea and return to shore each day.

Question 5

Define and give examples of Offshore fishing

Answer 5

Ocean fishery done from boats longer than 25m. The boats stay at sea for several days before returning to shore with their catch.

Question 6

List 5 differences between Inshore and Offshore fishing

Answer 6

Inshore:
- Within a few km’s of shoreline
- Boats go out to sea and return each day
- Individuals and families do this
- Usually 1-6 people go
- Mainly warmer months

Offshore:
- Goes to the edge of the continental shelf
- Boats stay at sea for several days before returning to shore
- Large companies do this
- Usually 12 -16 people go
- All year long in all types of weather

Question 7

Identify 5 major reasons why it is believed the cod industry collapsed on the east coast. Briefly explain each.

Answer 7

1. Over fishing
   - The government allowed people to catch more fish than those reaching maturity and sustained yield management was not working.
2. Improved Fishing Technology
   - People developed large, powerful, engine-driven trawlers
   - Fishers could locate fish more efficiently, which caused the possibility of over fishing.
3. Uncontrolled Foreign Fishing
   - Foreign countries caught too much fish
   - Canada protected their fish stocks, so foreign fishers had to follow Canadian guidelines
4. Destructive Fishing Practices
   - Undesired fish were thrown back into the ocean
   - Only remaining fish were reported as caught
5. Changes in Natural Conditions
   - Water temperature dropped
   - Salinity levels changed, causing fish to avoid these areas
   - Seal population grew, so less cod were found

Question 8

Where are the 3 areas that commercial fishing occurs in Canada?

Answer 8

1. East Coast
2. West Coast
3. Freshwater In-land Lakes